Opinions Wanted Mounting plaster of paris hands

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Sherry Lee

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Jun 25, 2002
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Phoenix, Az.
The only entry I saw on search was from 2001, so looking for some fresh advice:

I need to mount into a shadow box the 'ol plaster of paris hands - always a great gift for a mother!....and Dad too!
It's about a 10" irregular circle.

I prefer not to use silicone, etc. - but please advise.

THANKS MUCH!!
 
I'd post a photo if I had it - it's coming to me this weekend. I can ask that a photo be sent to me - it might take a week or so. ;/

I'm giving you a phone description which I believe to be accurate.
 
So it is a rough circle-ish shape with the imprint of hands?

I did one recently, traced around it on a piece of foam, cut it out by hand, covered it with velour and carefully shoved the thing into the resulting opening. Held it perfectly.

I guess how thick the foam depends on how big, how heavy and how deep the plaque.
 
Framar said:
So it is a rough circle-ish shape with the imprint of hands?

I did one recently, traced around it on a piece of foam, cut it out by hand, covered it with velour and carefully shoved the thing into the resulting opening. Held it perfectly.

I guess how thick the foam depends on how big, how heavy and how deep the plaque.
Click to expand...


THANKS FRAMAR - you nailed the description! What you've done sounds appropriate, but I have just one question:

IF the framed piece were to get dropped, bumped, disrespected in a move, etc. - is the 'tight' "foam" (I assume you meant foam BOARDS stacked to desired thickness) going to hold it in place or might it need something else to keep it from 'popping out'?
 
The one I framed was small (kid's one hand print) so the frame was not that huge and I used 1/4" Econospace between the glass and the board - so the glass sat less than 1/8" above the top of the plaster.

Couldn't go very far if it were to "pop out."
 
Framar said:
The one I framed was small (kid's one hand print) so the frame was not that huge and I used 1/4" Econospace between the glass and the board - so the glass sat less than 1/8" above the top of the plaster.

Couldn't go very far if it were to "pop out."
Click to expand...

GOOD! This piece is 8"x6"x1/4" - rather thin. :( It looks like you are the ONLY GRUMBLER that has ever framed this (given the lack of responses). hmmmmmm THANK YOU!
 
I just noticed this thread, Sherry. I framed a ceramic cast of baby footprints a few years ago (along with a photo of the baby). The casting was rectangular shape and not too large - probably around the size of yours. I ended up just using silicon (gasp!) to glue it in place after the customer said that was fine with her. I had suggested using bent rods, but she wanted to keep the cost down as much as she could. I had also suggested making a sink mount and having the mat just cover the perimeter of the casting, but the customer preferred the 'floating' look. It seemed to hold fine and I haven't heard any problems with it - this was for a good repeat customer, so I'm sure she would have let me know if there were any problems. I think I have a photo of it on my computer somewhere, so if I find it, I'll post it.
 
This is from a couple of years ago. Anchored it heavily under the mat, then path-traced from a photo for the top mat. I think that, for insurance in case it popped out through rough handling, the casting was close to the glass. If it loosened, it wouldn't travel far.

You know the circumstances for the casting.

cast.jpg
Apologies for the rough photo.
 
I know this is a slightly different casting but it proved an interesting challenge. As it was a 3D object and maker had neglected to put wires in when wet there was no way to attach.

Used the mats and fishing line for support. I think also we glued the base just to make sure. Designed so the mats gave support but to get them there they had to be contorted into place.

Very rewarding result and very happy customer.
 

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Framar said:
Wow. Sam - that is really cool! What a great display - kinda cool, kinda creepy - very CLEVER!!! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Yeah mixed reactions just like yours from various people but the customer just loved it. Problem was the customer did it on the cheap and bought her own plaster. Usually comes in a kit. Also the casts are not often that deep. So really was a challange. Very happy with the result. I guess it still holding together as has not returned.
 
Here is the photo of the shadowbox that I did a few years ago...

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